has been said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been said" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has been previously mentioned or stated, often in discussions or arguments. Example: "As many experts have pointed out, it has been said that climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has been said before.

The New York Times

"A lot has been said.

The New York Times

Almost everything has been said.

Yale University

Little has been said about foreign trade.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Less has been said about the costs.

The New York Times

Nothing has been said to them since.

Independent

"So much has been said and written.

Independent

Enough has been said about Jimmy.

The New York Times - Magazine

This has been said.

The New York Times

Too much has been said.

The New York Times - Sports

What has been said of statements applies also to opinions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been said", ensure the context makes it clear who made the statement or where it originated, if relevant. If the source is unknown or unimportant, the passive construction is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "has been said" if it obscures responsibility or weakens the clarity of your writing. Consider using active voice when the actor is known and relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been said" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that a statement or remark was made at some point. Ludwig AI shows it's frequently used when the speaker is unknown or irrelevant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been said" is a common and grammatically correct way to reference a statement made previously, according to Ludwig AI. It is frequently used across a variety of contexts including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While often neutral, its formality can shift based on the source. To ensure clarity, provide context about the statement's origin when pertinent, and avoid overusing passive voice. Consider alternatives like "was stated" or "it's been mentioned" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was stated

This alternative replaces the passive voice "has been said" with a more direct passive construction using "stated".

it's been mentioned

This alternative uses "mentioned" instead of "said", implying a less formal or emphatic statement.

it is reported

This phrase is more suitable for formal reporting contexts, emphasizing factual information.

as noted earlier

This phrase explicitly references a prior statement within the same text or conversation.

previously expressed

This alternative emphasizes the act of expressing something at an earlier time.

it has come to light

This implies that something has been revealed or discovered, often unexpectedly.

it's widely believed

This suggests a common opinion or belief, rather than a specific statement.

the consensus is

This indicates a general agreement or shared understanding among a group.

history suggests

This phrase implies that previous events or historical records indicate a certain trend or outcome.

it is understood

This phrase implies an agreement or an assumption that is shared between people about something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "has been said" to sound more formal?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "was stated", "it is reported", or "previously expressed". These options often carry a more authoritative or objective tone.

What are some less formal alternatives to "has been said"?

In less formal settings, you might use phrases like "it's been mentioned", or "it is understood", which have a more conversational feel.

Is it always necessary to identify who "has been said" something?

No, the phrase "has been said" is often used when the speaker or origin of the statement is unknown, unimportant, or widely understood. However, providing attribution can strengthen credibility and clarity when appropriate.

What's the difference between "has been said" and "is said"?

"Has been said" refers to something that was stated at some point in the past, while "is said" refers to something that is generally or currently believed or rumored.